Cultivating Immortality: I Have a High-Martial World

Chapter 118 Siege

"The area of ​​this maze seems to be within a dozen miles of Jade Belt City?"

A wave of emotion surged within Lin Chen.

In his perception, he had clearly flown for a long time, covering hundreds of miles.

But it only took him a few minutes to get back to Jade Belt City, which means he was at most within a dozen miles of Jade Belt City...

"So, this maze isn't targeting me... but rather it's enveloping the entire Jade Belt City?"

Lin Chen quickly made a judgment in his mind.

The maze was so vast that it encompassed a city with a population of one million and even extended for more than ten miles.

Someone with such skill wouldn't need to go to such lengths to deal with Lin Chen.

"So, who exactly... has surrounded the entire Jade Belt City?"

"And what is its purpose...?"

Lin Chen was deeply troubled, but he didn't show it.

As darkness fell, he returned to the inn where he had stayed previously.

Only after returning to the inn did Lin Chen dare to carefully consider the matter of the siege.

Setting up a massive array to surround the entire Jade Belt City is definitely a grand undertaking.

This is something that ordinary forces cannot accomplish.

Can Changchun Gate do it?

Lin Chen shook his head slightly; he wasn't quite sure.

He had seen the Peak Master of the Array Peak set up the Imprisoned Wood Burning Heaven Array before; its range was also very large, enough to cover an entire mountain.

However, compared to the formation that surrounds the entire Jade Belt City, it is still insignificant.

"This kind of formation doesn't seem like something a Core Formation cultivator could set up... Even if they could, it would take a lot of time and effort."

Lin Chen roughly deduced the strength of the person behind this formation.

Perhaps it was a combination of several Core Formation cultivators setting up the formation... or even Nascent Soul cultivators!

"So, what is the purpose of this person, or rather, the force behind them, in besieging Jade Belt City?"

Lin Chen pondered carefully.

He divided the people behind the scenes into two factions.

Either they are righteous cultivators besieging a city and hunting down an evil cultivator or an enemy.

But with such a large investment, the person who ambushed them must be at least a late-stage Core Formation cultivator, right?

Lin Chen would naturally prefer that the formation was set up by righteous forces, at least that way he wouldn't be in too much danger.

But what Lin Chen was worried about was... that the person behind it all was a demonic and evil cultivation force!

This is the most likely possibility!

There are many similar rumors of demonic forces besieging cities, but they all ultimately share the same goal—blood sacrifice!

Then, recalling the three strange things Lin Chen had heard before...

"Could it be that the demonic forces are really behind this... and intend to sacrifice the city?"

Lin Chen frowned deeply, exclaiming how unlucky he was.

He just had to run into something so incredibly unlucky...

"If it really is a demonic force, then we're in trouble... In any case, let's assess the situation first... Such a large formation, surely it has no weaknesses?"

"Perhaps, since I can't leave Jade Belt City from the south, I should try going in another direction?"

Lin Chen looked up at the sky. It was almost midnight, a good time to avoid being discovered.

Lin Chen left the inn and flew out of Jade Belt City on his magical artifact.

"Let's try the north first..."

Lin Chen's heart stirred, and he flew north.

This time he was careful and left several marks when he was about ten miles away from Jade Belt City.

Then we continued north.

After flying for another half an hour, Lin Chen's expression changed slightly as he looked at the marks he had left behind.

"If the north doesn't work, let's try the west..."

Lin Chen continued trying.

……

The next morning, Lin Chen returned to the inn in the city.

"Several hours have passed, and we've tried six or seven directions... yet we still haven't found a flaw in this formation?"

Lin Chen's expression was somewhat solemn.

In his opinion, such a large formation could not possibly be perfect in every aspect and without any flaws.

After trying the four directions of east, west, south, and north, Lin Chen tried the southwest and northeast directions, but still couldn't find a flaw.

However, Lin Chen did not come away empty-handed.

He explored the area of ​​this siege formation.

"This grand formation centers on Jade Belt City and extends outwards for approximately thirteen miles..."

"Thirteen li is a boundary... Once you reach this distance, you will be forced to lose your sense of direction or fall into an illusion? Even your divine sense won't detect anything unusual..."

Lin Chen took a deep breath; he planned to try again after dark.

Perhaps we can find a way out by following the boundary of this great formation?

So for the next three days, Lin Chen stayed hidden during the day and went out at night.

As dusk approached, he would ride his magical artifact out to explore the boundaries of this formation.

But even after his footsteps traversed every inch of the land, and he even flew into the sky, reaching heights of thousands of feet... he still couldn't escape the formation.

This great formation is like... a huge, invisible glass dome, surrounding Jade Belt City from every angle.

"Things have gotten complicated!"

Lin Chen glanced at the countdown on his arm; there were only two and a half days left before he returned to Earth.

He couldn't think of a way to escape Jade Belt City right now, but perhaps there would be a way after he returned to Blue Star?

"No rush. Let's gather some intelligence in the city first thing tomorrow morning..."

Lin Chen thought to himself.

……

The next morning, Lin Chen got up and went to the city's market.

Lin Chen was not the only one trapped in the city after several days of lockdown.

There are also a million mortals in the city, and thousands of cultivators...

Lin Chen planned to stroll around the market to see if he could gather any intelligence or information.

After strolling around the market, Lin Chen frowned slightly.

Compared to a few days ago, there are significantly fewer cultivators in the market now.

The once bustling cultivation market is now almost deserted, with few cultivators setting up stalls.

Even those who set up stalls on the street were mostly female cultivators.

"The strange occurrences in the city are getting increasingly serious... I wonder if they're related to the siege formation?"

Lin Chen had a guess in his mind, then turned around and went into a pill shop.

Lin Chen had previously bought and sold pills at this pill shop several times and was fairly familiar with the shop owner.

"Boss, wrap these herbs up..."

Lin Chen first bought some medicinal herbs at the pill shop, and then inquired:

"Boss, business has been a bit slow lately. It seems like the cultivators in the city aren't going out much?"

Upon hearing Lin Chen's words, the alchemy shop owner immediately frowned and sighed:

"Sigh, business in Jade Belt City is getting worse and worse. I'll have to move out in a while..."

"I've heard that Changchun Mountain Market is relatively peaceful, so I plan to open a shop there next year."

Upon hearing this, Lin Chen frowned slightly, vaguely sensing that something was amiss.

So he asked again:

"That's right! More and more strange things are happening, and even we cultivators are avoiding them like the plague, let alone mortals..."

The shopkeeper of the pill shop sighed after hearing this:

"Yes! Strange things happened a few days ago!"

At this point, he lowered his voice and glanced around before saying:

"I heard some cultivators went out at night and saw a person with a dog's head! Tsk tsk... In the middle of the night, their eyes glowed green, it was terrifying!"

"A few days ago, there was that strange skinning incident... I heard it wasn't just mortals, but several cultivators were also skinned..."

Lin Chen's heart skipped a beat upon hearing this, but he remained outwardly calm and said:

"Shopkeeper, you're very well-informed... I've been in seclusion these past few days cultivating. Could you tell me more about the strange things happening in this city?"

Seeing that there weren't many customers, the owner of the oil shop nodded and said:

"What strange things could possibly happen? It's just the same old three things..."

"The strange phenomenon of skinning has gradually spread to cultivators..."

"The Black Dog Gang in the south of the city seems to be in trouble too..."

"And the cemetery outside the city is getting increasingly haunted..."

The more Lin Chen listened, the more unsettled he became, not because he was afraid of the three strange things.

Instead, he discovered something even more terrifying...

"Hehe, shopkeeper... please count the spirit stones, I'll head back now!"

As Lin Chen spoke, he turned and left the alchemy shop.

He had a vague guess in his mind.

After leaving the alchemy shop, Lin Chen went to his usual equipment shop.

In one afternoon, he visited three or four shops, bought a lot of medicinal herbs and materials, and then returned to the inn.

……

Inside the inn, Lin Chen's initially calm expression gradually turned serious.

"Apart from me, it seems that none of the cultivators in the entire city have noticed the internal and external blockade of Jade Belt City?"

"But... how is this possible?"

Lin Chen frowned.

Lin Chen had already found it strange when the shopkeeper of Danpu mentioned moving to Changchun Mountain Market.

After all, judging from his tone, it seemed like he could move out at any moment...

But the truth is, you can't get out of Jade Belt City at all!

Originally, he thought the shopkeeper was unaware of the situation.

So he visited several more shops and subtly inquired about strange things happening in the city.

However, none of the shop owners in the several shops realized this.

That doesn't make any sense at all!

After all, shop owners generally have good connections and access to information.

Jade Belt City is under lockdown, and the cultivators inside cannot leave. How could they not know about something so important?

"So... what exactly happened?"

"It's as if something is interfering with their thoughts... or rather, preventing them from having the desire to go out..."

Lin Chen thought to himself.

If it is truly some being interfering with a cultivator's thoughts, that would be terrifying!

After all, there are over a million mortals and several thousand, nearly ten thousand, cultivators in this entire Jade Belt City!

"Something's not right...something's really not right!"

Lin Chen dared not think too deeply about it; he felt that this matter was no longer within his control.

"Let's talk about this back in the high-martial-arts world... We've somehow gotten caught up in this kind of danger; we need the think tank to analyze it."

Lin Chen took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down.

For the next two days, he stayed quietly in his room to cultivate himself and did not go out again.

He set up a small protective array in the room, which made it slightly safer.

Given what has happened, it's best to avoid taking any risks for the time being.

But at times like these, having access to intelligence becomes especially important.

Fortunately, he sent Long Ba and Feng Jiu out to make a deal.

And through the shared perspective, we learned a great deal of intelligence...

In just two days, dozens more Qi Refining cultivators died in the city!

Most of the cultivators died after being skinned alive.

The bodies of these cultivators vanished without a trace, leaving only their clothes and skins at their burial sites...

Other monks went to the cemetery outside the city and never returned.

Lin Chen recorded the intelligence one by one and silently waited for the reset to begin.

Lin Chen's gaze shifted as the countdown on his arm reached zero.

……

The Great Xia Kingdom, Martial Arts Palace.

Lin Chen breathed a slight sigh of relief after returning to Blue Star.

He was genuinely worried that the city-sealing method was so sophisticated that it might even prevent him from traversing between the two worlds.

But now it seems that his abilities are still stronger.

Inside the time-space chamber, Wang Lishan and the others remained in the same positions as before.

But Lin Chen's expression was very serious as he said:

"Something's happened in the cultivation world..."

Hearing that Lin Chen's tone was off, Wang Lishan's expression changed slightly.

But he still calmly said, "Don't panic, Xiao Chen, tell me the situation first..."

Lin Chen nodded slightly and recounted the situation in the cultivation world.

After learning about the situation, Wang Lishan's expression also became much more serious.

But he held a high position and remained calm in the face of adversity.

He first comforted Lin Chen, then said:

"You mean you're currently trapped inside Jade Belt City and unable to leave...?"

"And you suspect that the demonic sects are preparing a blood sacrifice for the entire Jade Belt City?"

Lin Chen nodded slightly upon hearing this, and then said:

"I'm not sure if it's going to be a blood sacrifice for the entire city, or just targeting the cultivators in the city... but for now, we can only assume the worst."

After listening, Wang Lishan nodded, and after thinking for a moment, said:

"Don't rush. First, write down everything you encounter there. I'll inform the think tank so they can analyze it together..."

"As for me, I will provide you with as much firepower as possible!"

At this point, Wang Lishan looked into Lin Chen's eyes and said seriously:

"Lin Chen, do you believe in the country?"

Lin Chen nodded without hesitation.

For more than two years since he gained the ability to travel through time, the country has provided him with ample assistance.

This time, however, may be the biggest crisis he has ever faced in the world of cultivation.

But he believes the government will come up with the best solution to ensure his safety as much as possible.

If even the Great Xia Kingdom cannot protect him, then how terrifying must this enemy be?

Seeing Lin Chen's trust, Wang Lishan nodded slightly and said:

"After you've explained the situation, take a rest... try not to put too much pressure on yourself! We're all here for you!"

Lin Chen nodded emphatically.

He quickly recounted the situation he encountered in Jade Belt City and explained the city-sealing formation.

After explaining the situation, Lin Chen went to the Martial Arts Palace's rest room.

He didn't feel too nervous or afraid.

"No matter what happens in the cultivation world, I have seven days to deal with the crisis!"

"With the entire martial arts world offering advice and strategies, there's no way I can't overcome this..."

Lin Chen thought to himself, and then focused on his cultivation.

Over the next two days, while practicing the Everlasting Spring Technique, he also followed Elder Long to learn the Starry Sky Vibrating Blade Technique.

Because of the urgency of the situation, Lin Chen studied even more diligently, hoping that improving his strength would increase his chances of survival.

Under pressure, he also made remarkable progress.

The Starry Sky Vibrating Blade Technique has finally broken through once again...

In the training room.

Lin Chen wielded the Demon-Slaying Blade and swung it out.

"82689 kg!"

This is Lin Chen's current basic strength.

"580632 kg!"

This is the maximum power Lin Chen can unleash after using the Starry Sky Vibrating Blade Technique.

More than a million catties!

Lin Chen was confident that with this one strike, even the protective true essence of a pseudo-core cultivator would be shattered!

Beside him, Elder Long, observing Lin Chen's tremendous progress, remarked with considerable emotion:

"Little Chen, your martial arts talent is truly unparalleled in my entire life..."

"In just one year, the multiplier of the Vibrating Blade has increased from four times to seven times... Even if I were in your shoes, it would have taken me ten years to reach your level!"

Lin Chen sheathed his demon-slaying blade, took a deep breath, and smiled, "It's all thanks to Elder Long's excellent teaching!"

After hearing this, Elder Long smiled and did not refute it.

That is the truth. In the entire Great Xia Kingdom and even the entire human race, no one can surpass him in the skill of wielding a sword.

"Xiao Chen, I heard from Li Shan that... you encountered some trouble in the cultivation world?" Elder Long asked.

Lin Chen nodded after hearing this and said, "It was a bit unlucky; we ran into the Demonic Path Sacrifice City..."

Elder Long asked, "Are you confident you can handle this?"

Lin Chen shook his head. He didn't even know what level the person behind him was, so how could he be so confident?

Upon seeing this, Elder Long's expression turned serious.

After thinking for a moment, he took out a golden scale from his pocket and handed it over.

"Take this Dragon's Reverse Scale; it might save your life in a critical moment..."

Lin Chen took the scales, examined them carefully, and then asked in confusion:

"Elder Long, this scale is...?"

After hearing this, Elder Long smiled and said:

"You've heard of my Martial Spirit, haven't you?"

Lin Chen nodded.

Elder Long's martial spirit is very famous throughout the Great Xia Kingdom.

The spirits of martial arts are all kinds of strange and wonderful things.

Some people's martial spirits possess supernatural abilities such as telekinesis, fire-breathing, or immense strength...

In some cases, the Martial Spirit is a weapon such as a long sword or a shield...

But there is another type of martial spirit, known as the summoning (transformation) type.

It can summon powerful creatures from mythology to assist in battle.

Long Yuanhai's martial spirit is a dragon...

A true dragon from Eastern mythology!

"This reverse scale is the only one on my dragon son's body..."

"As long as you wear it close to your body, it will block an attack for you in a fatal crisis... The maximum value of this attack is approximately the full-force attack of a Martial King!"

"Old Long said calmly."

Lin Chen's expression changed slightly upon hearing this.

A full-force attack from a Martial King...

This is definitely beyond the Core Formation stage, at least reaching the Nascent Soul stage!

This means that this dragon scale can protect Lin Chen from attacks by Nascent Soul level cultivators.

Thinking of this, Lin Chen said sincerely:

"Thank you very much, Elder Long!"

Long Yuanhai patted Lin Chen on the shoulder, then shook his head and said, "The future of Blue Star is in the hands of you young people..."

……

Over the next few days, Lin Chen continued his stable dual cultivation of immortality and martial arts.

His internal energy and magical power had become more abundant.

After consuming the flesh and blood of one or two third-tier demonic beasts, Lin Chen's blood and qi values ​​increased again.

It has reached 2720 points, getting closer and closer to the 3000-point standard for the Martial Spirit level.

Until the day before I was about to cross over into the world of cultivation...

……

Martial Arts Palace.

Wang Lishan, with a solemn expression, informed Lin Chen of the intelligence gathered by his think tank.

"Lin Chen, according to the think tank's analysis... there's a greater than 90% chance this incident was a demonic blood sacrifice!"

Lin Chen took a deep breath after hearing this, as he had already expected it.

"Although the result was not ideal, the think tank still found a possible solution for you."

Wang Lishan took out a drilling machine that was about ten feet tall.

"According to the research of the Formation Department, most formations have some weaknesses and loopholes."

"You've tried every direction, both high in the air and on the ground... but the one thing you've overlooked is underground!"

"Therefore, I think you need to take this drilling machine with you...it might lead you to a way out of Jade Belt City from underground!"

Lin Chen nodded slightly after hearing this; it was indeed a good idea to solve the problem.

After putting away the drilling machine, Wang Lishan took out an enormous missile from the nanobag, which was two meters tall.

Lin Chen was stunned when he saw the special markings on the missile.

Wang Lishan then said seriously:

"If a situation truly becomes irreversible... don't hesitate, raze the entire city to the ground!"

(End of this chapter)